The Deputy Director of the National Gallery of Art, Dame Nneka Ijeoma, has urged professionals across various fields to uphold integrity, safeguard their credibility and continually develop multiple skills to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive and dynamic world.
She said while professional competence is essential for career advancement, ethical conduct and a reputation built on honesty remain the most valuable assets any professional can possess. Blueprint reports
Dame Nneka, an accountant gave the advice while speaking as a guest at the monthly meeting of the League of Anambra Journalists Abuja (LAJA) held on July 2, 2026 in Abuja, where she shared her career journey and encouraged participants to embrace continuous learning alongside entrepreneurship.
According to her, modern professionals must be willing to acquire additional competencies without losing focus on their primary careers.
Public service and entrepreneurship can coexist
Sharing her personal experience, Dame Nneka described herself as an example of someone who has successfully combined a demanding public service career with entrepreneurial pursuits.
She disclosed that beyond her responsibilities at the National Gallery of Art, she is a professional cake baker and an active member of the International Cake Exploration Society (ICES), where she currently serves as one of the organisation’s zonal leaders.
“I am a professional cake baker. I belong to the International Cake Exploration Society (ICES), and by the grace of God, I am now one of their zonal leaders,” she said.
She explained that she initially declined the leadership position because of the demands of her official responsibilities but eventually accepted after members of the association persuaded her to serve.
According to her, the experience has demonstrated that effective time management and commitment can enable professionals to excel in multiple areas simultaneously.
Embrace multiple streams of expertise
The deputy director further revealed that her entrepreneurial interests extend beyond cake making.
She said she is actively involved in yoghurt production, event planning and catering services while continuing to practise as a chartered accountant.
Dame Nneka noted that acquiring additional skills has not distracted her from her core profession but has instead broadened her opportunities and strengthened her overall career profile.
“Anywhere you call me, you will see me. But I still know that I have a profession. I am a chartered accountant by profession,” she said.
As a member of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), she encouraged professionals to remain grounded in their chosen careers while exploring other legitimate opportunities capable of creating additional sources of income and personal fulfilment.
She stressed that developing multiple competencies has become increasingly important in today’s evolving workplace, where adaptability often determines long-term success.
Integrity remains priceless
While emphasising the importance of professional growth, Dame Nneka maintained that integrity and ethical conduct must never be compromised.
She described credibility as a priceless asset that takes years to build but can easily be destroyed through unethical behaviour.
According to her, every profession is guided by standards and principles that practitioners must respect if they hope to enjoy lasting success.
“Your personality and your credibility matter. The ethics of the profession must always come first,” she said.
She urged professionals to guard their reputation jealously, noting that competence without integrity offers little value in the long run.
Dame Nneka added that employers, clients and the public are more likely to trust individuals who consistently demonstrate honesty, accountability and professionalism.
Career built on discipline
Reflecting on her professional journey, Dame Nneka recalled that she began her career in the banking sector.
“I started as a banker with First Bank Investment,” she said.
She explained that the discipline, resilience and commitment she developed during her years in banking laid the foundation for her achievements in public service and entrepreneurship.
According to her, continuous learning has remained a defining feature of her career, enabling her to adapt to new challenges while expanding her professional capacity.
She advised young professionals not to become complacent after acquiring formal qualifications but to continue investing in personal development throughout their careers.
Youths urged to remain focused
Addressing young professionals in particular, Dame Nneka encouraged them to remain focused, hardworking and committed to excellence despite the challenges of the modern workplace.
She said success is achieved through perseverance, discipline and the willingness to embrace opportunities for growth rather than relying solely on academic qualifications.
She further urged them to cultivate positive values, maintain high ethical standards and remain open to learning new skills that can improve their competitiveness in the labour market.
According to her, professionals who combine integrity with competence and innovation are better positioned to make meaningful contributions to national development.
A veteran journalist and high-ranking member of LAJA, Mr. Ndubueze Chidoka, who introduced LAJA special guest, showered encomiums on Dame Nneka, while saying that the association was committed to partnerships that will impact its members.
LAJA prepares for maiden symposium
Earlier, President of the League of Anambra Journalists Abuja (LAJA), Ambassador Ikenna Okonkwo, called on members to remain united and committed as the association intensifies preparations for its maiden development-focused symposium scheduled for November 2026.
Okonkwo urged members to sustain the momentum towards making the event a success, describing the symposium as an important platform for advancing professional development and promoting constructive engagement on issues affecting society.
In the same vein, LAJA Vice President, Mr Onyebuchi, charged the association’s standing committees to become more proactive by providing weekly updates on their assigned responsibilities ahead of the symposium.
He said regular progress reports would ensure effective coordination and guarantee the successful organisation of the event.
The meeting concluded with renewed commitment by members to strengthen the association’s activities while promoting professionalism, ethical journalism and capacity development among media practitioners.